Francis Ford Coppola, the acclaimed filmmaker, is making headlines at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival for his latest project, “Megalopolis.” Despite the $120 million investment from his own fortune, Coppola remains unfazed about the financial aspect of the film. He believes that friends are more important than money, as they will never let you down. The film, which is seeking a North American distributor, is a passion project that Coppola has been dreaming of for decades. He sold a portion of his winery business to finance the movie, confident that he will be fine financially regardless of the outcome.
Coppola’s children have established successful careers without relying on a fortune, which further emphasizes his belief in the importance of relationships over wealth. “Megalopolis” stars Adam Driver as an architect attempting to create a utopia in a futuristic New York City. The film has received mixed reviews, with critics calling it a disaster and an admirably ambitious endeavor that only Coppola could undertake. Coppola views the film as a Roman Empire-esque story that reflects the current state of American politics and warns against the resurgence of neo-right and fascist ideologies.
The filmmaker believes that the loss of the republic, akin to what happened in Rome thousands of years ago, could be a reality for the United States. He places his faith in artists to illuminate contemporary life and act as the “headlights” in society. Coppola’s views on modern Hollywood and streaming services highlight his concerns about the industry’s focus on financial obligations over creative storytelling. Despite these challenges, Coppola maintains a positive outlook and expresses gratitude for the opportunities he has had throughout his career.
At the Cannes Film Festival, Coppola was accompanied by his family and cast members, including Laurence Fishburne, Giancarlo Esposito, and Aubrey Plaza. The filmmaker encouraged reporters to engage with his cast and praised their contributions to the film. Reflecting on his life and accomplishments, Coppola expressed satisfaction in having pursued his creative passions and achieving his goals. He emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities and living without regrets, citing personal milestones such as seeing his daughter, Sofia Coppola, win an Oscar. Coppola’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his belief in the power of art to shape society underscore his enduring legacy in the world of cinema.
